No 2025 Subaru Ascent Remodel, It Drops One Old Trim, Adds 2 New Trims

Work for Torque News, follow on Twitter, Youtube and Facebook.

You'll be disappointed if you want a next-generation 2025 Subaru Ascent remodel. But, two new trim levels are coming for the 2025 model year. Here's what customers need to know.

There is no Ascent remodel yet.

Customers waiting for the next-generation Subaru Ascent remodel will have to wait another year. Subaru of America announced the 2025 Ascent model change, and it's the same model with an old trim level dropped and two new trim levels added. 

The Ascent 3-Row family hauler, now in its seventh year of its life cycle, was due for a remodel. It's been delayed for at least one more year. For the 2026 model year, Ascent should see a remodel. 

You won't be disappointed.

It will satisfy customers that the Base trim level has been dropped for the 2025 model year. It only had a few features most customers wanted. The Ascent Premium is now the entry trim level with new features. It's a good move by Subaru. 

Subaru says, "With the elimination of the Base Trim Level and the addition of standard features to Premium Trim, the year-over-year price increase for comparable content is just $340."

Subaru added two new Ascent trim levels for 2025: Bronze Edition and Onyx Edition Touring. Another smart move by Subaru. 

Without a redesign, Subaru's decision to introduce two new Ascent trim levels for 2025, the Bronze Edition and Onyx Edition Touring,  is a testament to their commitment to providing diverse options for their customers. 

The 2025 Ascent will be available in six trim levels: Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Bronze Edition, Touring, and Onyx Edition Touring. 

New 2025 Subaru Ascent pricing

The Ascent Premium starts at $40,215, Onyx Edition ($43,615), Limited ($47,415), Bronze Edition ($48,415), Touring ($50,415), and Onyx Edition Touring ($51,415). Pricing includes destination and delivery ($1,420).

How much did pricing increase?

  • Premium +$1,875
  • Onyx Edition +$475
  • Limited +3,975
  • Touring +375

Here are the significant 2025 Ascent changes.

For 2025, the Ascent Premium has been repositioned as the entry trim level. Premium trims now come with a standard "Convenience Package."

New standard safety tech. 

Most of the price increases result from new safety technology upgrades and improvements. 

The 2025 Ascent adds several new safety features to its standard active safety suite. These include Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking, and Automatic Emergency Steering. For the first time on Ascent, Emergency Stop Assist is standard. These features enhance the safety of the vehicle and provide peace of mind for you and your family.

Subaru says, "The safety feature can detect an unresponsive driver when the Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control is active. The system will stop the SUV, activate hazard lights, and unlock the doors. Subaru Starlink Connected Services will then call emergency services for help."

The new Ascent Bronze Edition 

The new Bronze Edition builds on the 7-passenger Limited trim and adds an exclusive bronze finish to the side cladding, front intake cover, and 20-inch alloy wheels. 

On the inside, the seats are wrapped in black StarTex water-repellant material and contrasting bronze color stitching throughout the cabin. The heated leather-wrapped steering wheel has bronze stitching and a center-spoke insert in bronze finish.  

The new Ascent Onyx Edition Touring

The Onyx Edition Touring adds unique exterior and interior elements and 20-inch alloy wheels from the standard Onyx Edition.  Exclusive to the Onyx Edition Touring is the Nappa leather-appointed power, ventilated front seats in black with silver stitching, and the high-grade leather-wrapped heated steering wheel in black with green stitching. 

The new Onyx Edition Touring, Bronze Edition, and Limited and Touring trims come standard with dual-function X-Mode featuring Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings. The additional settings optimize all-wheel-drive performance for the most brutal weather or road conditions. 

All Ascent trim levels come standard with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode with Hill Descent Control for exceptional all-weather and trail-driving capability.

There are no upgrades to the Ascent 2.4-liter turbocharged engine.

The Ascent 2.4-liter turbocharged engine stays the same, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. The Boxer engine is paired with a high-torque Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) featuring an 8-speed manual mode function and steering wheel paddle shifters "to give the driver added control."

It's disappointing that the 2025 Subaru Ascent 3-Row family hauler still needs a redesign because it's overdue. However, Ascent has two new trim levels, which gives customers new options. The Ascent gets safety upgrades that suit your family's safety. 

Ascent is the most comfortable without a remodel. 

Which is the most comfortable new Midsize 3-Row SUV? Consumer Reports says it's the current-generation Subaru Ascent without a doubt. Check out the nine best SUVs in comfort and find out why CR gives the Ascent the highest scores in my report here

When will the new 2025 Ascent be available for customers?

Subaru of America says the newly upgraded 2025 Subaru Ascent 3-Row family hauler arrives in Subaru retailers this fall. Stay tuned for more updates.

Are you excited about the 2025 Ascent? Or will you wait for the 2026 model year that gets a remodel? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReportAll Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierlFacebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Tucson Subaru

Submitted by John Dunlop (not verified) on August 16, 2024 - 3:34PM

Permalink

Don't see this helping lagging Ascent sales much. Guess I'll keep my Forester another year and see what 2026 brings..